ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine 
To promote Make in India, 6788 Certificates of Registration  issued to indigenous manufacturers of pesticides and 1011 CRs issued for export of pesticides
Crop specific and Pest specific Package of Practices issued to States to promote Integrated Pest Management and Judicious use of Pesticides
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare performs regulatory, monitoring, surveillance and Human Resource Development functions through a scheme “Sub Mission on Plant Protection and Plant Quarantine ” with the aim of minimizing loss to quality and yield of agricultural crops from the ravages of insect pests, diseases, weeds, nematodes, rodents etc. and to shield our bio-security from the incursion and spread of alien species. Revalidation of more than 1200 pack houses, rice mills, processing units, treatment facilities, fumigation agencies, post entry quarantine facilities etc to facilitate agri export has been done. To promote Integrated Pest Management and judicious use of Pesticides, 14 crop specific and pest specific Package of Practices have been issued to the States during the lockdown period. To promote Make in India, 6788 Certificates of Registration  have been issued to indigenous manufacturers of pesticides and 1011 CRs issued for export of pesticides. The Destructive Insect and Pests Act, 1914 and the Insecticides Act, 1968 provide the legal framework for the regulatory function.
During 2020-21, India became the first country in the world to control locusts by using drones after finalizing protocols and Standard Operating Procedures. The largest locust control operation in Indian history has been conducted by the Central Government in collaboration with the States. Locust attack was controlled in more than 5.70 lakh hectare area of 10 States. Control capabilities of Locust Circle Offices  have been strengthened by deploying helicopters for aerial spraying of pesticides for locust control. Till now control operations against locusts were carried out in an area of 2,87,986 hectares by LCOs and 2,83,268 hectares by State Governments.
Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare relaxed the conditions for Import of Onions into India during 2020 in order to stabilize the price and availability of Onion in the local market. Market access was obtained for carrot seeds from Iran, wheat flour, basmati rice and pomegranate seeds from Uzbekistan, pomegranate from Australia, mango, basmati rice and sesame seeds from Argentina and peanuts from Peru during 2020-21.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Sumangalam Panchmahabhoot Conference Series VAYU- The vital life force to be held in Bhubaneswar
To celebrate the spirit of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in the 75th year of Independence and channel dialogue on need for clean air in the country, a conference titled ‘Vayu – The vital life force’ is being organized at Siksha O Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha from December 02 – 04, 2022. This Conference is focused on varied air quality issues ranging from scientific discussions on climate change and pollution control to enriching our understanding on air quality from ancient scriptures and texts.
His Excellency Prof. Ganeshi Lal, the Governor of Odisha; Shri Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Member of Parliament, Cuttack; Smt Aprajita Sarangi, Member of Parliament, Bhubaneswar and distinguished dignitaries from all around the country will be gracing the event.
According to the concept of Panchmahaboot everything in nature is made up of five elements Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space. The imbalance or threat to any of these elements threatens the wellbeing of humanity. Thus, the clean air is vital to sustain life force and good health. The aim of the Vayu conference is to build upon the multidimensional efforts taken by Governments to achieve our air quality targets as set in National Clean Air Program by uniting all the important stakeholders.
To celebrate the achievements of our cities in their efforts to achieve clean air targets, ‘National Clean Air City’ award based on Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan will be given to best performing nine cities for meeting air quality targets and implementation of corrective, preventive and mitigation actions. Total cash prize of about Rs. 05 Crores will be awarded to these cities to motivate them to take further concrete action towards clean air goals.
To constructively engage the youth of the country and give them a platform to present their innovative ideas to solve air quality challenges, an engaging youth session has been organized on December 02, 2022, wherein students will be involved in scholar sessions on atmospheric science, climate change, human health, heritage studies, agriculture issues and mitigation measures. An exhibition to raise public awareness on air quality, natural alternatives and showcasing heritage of Odisha will also be held.
The conference will be attended by more than 500 participants comprising experts, students, academicians, State Pollution Control Boards, Pollution Control Committees, Municipal Commissioners, State Environment Secretaries, scientists, and engineers. It will be a mega participatory event to nurture Jan Bhagidari in the ongoing celebrations under Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launches National Scholarship Portal Mobile App
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi launched the country's first "National Scholarship Portal Mobile App"  here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Naqvi said that this "National Scholarship Portal Mobile App" will ensure a smooth, accessible and hassle-free scholarship system for students from poor and weaker sections. He said that all the scholarships are being given directly into bank accounts of the needy students under Direct Benefit Transfer  mode through the National Scholarship Portal which has ensured that there is no scope for duplication and leakage.
Shri Naqvi said that the "National Scholarship Portal Mobile App" will prove beneficial for students, and will help in strengthening a transparent mechanism for the scholarships. The mobile app will be beneficial for the students in many ways: students will get all the information regarding various scholarships on this mobile app; they will be able to apply for scholarships sitting in their home; students can upload necessary documents on this mobile app; students can check the status of their application, scholarship disbursement etc. Students from far-flung/hilly areas/North East will be the most benefitted.
Shri Naqvi said that the Ministry of Minority Affairs has completely gone online, which has eliminated middlemen and benefits of every scheme are reaching directly to the needy without any obstacle. The Minister said that during the last about 4 years, the Modi Government’s “Empowerment without Appeasement” policy has ensured that record about 3 crore students belonging to poor and weaker sections of Minorities have been benefitted from various scholarship programmes. The beneficiaries include about 1 crore 63 lakh girls. He added that school dropout rate among Muslim girls, which was earlier more than 70 per cent, has now been reduced to about 35-40 per cent due to awareness and educational empowerment programmes of the Modi Government. Our goal is to bring it down to zero per cent. Transparent and hassle-free scholarship system has helped in this endeavour.
Shri Naqvi said that Ministry of Minority Affairs has worked with commitment to “3E- Education, Employment & Empowerment”. In the last about one year, thousands of educational institutions of all Minority communities including Madarsas, have been included in the mainstream education system by connecting them with "3T-Teacher, Tiffin, Toilet".
Ministry of Railways
Salient Features of Vande Bharat Express Trains
Fund of Rs 1343.72 Crores utilised for manufacturing Vande Bharat trains
With a view to provide better travel experience to the passengers, Indian Railways has introduced Vande Bharat trains with modern coaches having following enhanced safety features and amenities:
- Fitted with KAVACH.
- Faster acceleration and semi High speed operation up to 160 KMPH.
- Fully Sealed Gangway for Free Passenger Movement
- Automatic Plug Doors
- Reclining Ergonomic Seats and Comfortable Seating with revolving seats in executive class.
- Better Ride Comfort.
- Mobile charging sockets for every seat.
- Mini Pantry with provision of Hot Case, Bottle Cooler, Deep freezer & Hot Water Boiler
- Direct and Diffused Lighting.
- For Divyangjan passengers special lavatory in DTC.
- Emergency openable Windows and fire extinguisher in each coach
- CCTVs in all Coaches
- Emergency Alarm Push buttons and Talk Back Units on all Coaches.
- Better fire safety – Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories
- Driver-Guard communication with voice recording facility & Crash hardened memory
- Coach Condition Monitoring System  display with remote monitoring
- Disaster lights – 4 numbers in each coach in case of Emergency
- 4 platform side cameras including rear view cameras outside the coach.
Total funds utilised for manufacture of Vande Bharat trains is Rs 1343.72 Crores.
As on 28th July, 2023, 50 Vande-Bharat train services are running on the Indian Railways, connecting states having Board Gauge  electrified network.
Introduction of trains, including Vande Bharat services, is an ongoing process on Indian Railways subject to operational feasibility, traffic justification etc.
India’s first-ever indigenously designed and manufactured semi-high speed Vande Bharat trains has provided a modern and comfortable rail travel experience to passengers. High Speed, enhanced Safety standards and world class Service are the hallmarks of this train.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS CHENNAI BRANCH ORGANISES JEWELLER AWARENESS PROGRAMME ON HALLMARKING - IN MAYILADUTHURAI
Bureau of Indian Standards is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification , Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.
Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office  organised a Jeweller awareness programme on Hallmarking today, 10.08.23,Thursday at Hotel Avinsree Grand, Mayiladuthurai.
Jewellers Association President and around 30 Jewellers from in and around Mayiladuthurai attended the awareness programme.
Shri. D Jeevanandam, Joint Director , BIS, Chennai Branch Office welcomed the Jewellers explained the programme objectives. He explained the importance of Hallmarking Scheme and how Hallmarking Scheme Started and how it has evolved over the years. Later in his technical presentation, Shri. D Jeevanandam explained BIS Hallmarking Scheme & Procedures, Hallmarking Rules & Regulation, Responsibilities of Jewelers, Elements of Indian Standard  & Amendments, HUID in Brief, Online Registration, Introduction demo in manakonline portal etc.,
Participants appreciated the BIS initiative on Jewellers Awareness meet. The Programme ended with vote of thanks.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches on prominent business groups in Maharashtra
The Income Tax Department carried out a search & seizure action on 25.08.2022 on two groups engaged in the business of sand mining, sugar manufacturing, road construction, healthcare, running of medical college etc. The search action covered more than 20 premises spread over Solapur, Osmanabad, Nashik & Kolhapur districts of Maharashtra.
During the course of the search operation, a large number of incriminating evidences, in the form of hard copy documents and digital data have been found and seized. These evidences reveal various modus-operandi of tax evasion adopted by the group including booking of bogus expenses, undisclosed cash sales, unexplained loans/ credit entries, etc.
In case of the group engaged in sand mining and sugar manufacturing, documentary evidences of unaccounted cash sales of sugar exceeding Rs. 15 crore have been found & seized. The search action has revealed that the group has introduced its unaccounted income in the form of bogus unsecured loans in its books of accounts. Several lenders to the group, as well as promoters of the group have admitted that unaccounted cash generated by the group exceeding Rs. 10 crore was routed in its books of account in this manner.
Evidences of capital gains of about Rs. 43 crore on sale of assets by a non-filer corporate entity have also been seized.
In the other group engaged in the business of healthcare and running of medical college, as also road construction, evidences of undisclosed cash receipts representing capitation fee and refund of salary and stipend paid to the doctors/PG students have been found. Moreover, evidences regarding booking of bogus expenses and contractual payments etc. have been found & seized. Preliminary estimates of such undisclosed income of the group is to the tune of Rs. 35 crore.
So far, the search action has led to detection of unaccounted income of more than Rs. 100 crore. Further, undisclosed assets of more than Rs. 5 crore have also been seized.
Further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Defence
Cyclone Amphan: IAF continues to be on High State of Preparedness for undertaking Relief Operations
In the wake of cyclone Amphan, as part of its quick response towards Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief , the Indian Air Force  continued to be on a high state of preparedness for undertaking relief operations in the eastern parts of the country. A total of 56 Heavy and Medium Lift assets comprising of 25 fixed-wing aircraft and 31 helicopters were earmarked by the IAF.
The aircraft / helicopters were modified with required equipment for undertaking relief operations and are on standby with crew for a quick deployment at various IAF bases. The Crisis Management Cell activated at Air HQ is actively coordinating with the Civil Administration and the NDRF teams.
Two C-130 aircraft airlifted four NDRF teams, two each from Pune and Arakkonam for Kolkata on 21 May 20. Along with these teams, 8.6 tonnes of heavy equipment / machinery required to undertake relief operations by NDRF was also airlifted.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
186.38cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at11,366
Active cases standat 0.03%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.76%
796recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,25,07,834
975new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
83.14cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,00,918tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people of Andhra Pradesh on its Formation Day
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people of Andhra Pradesh on its Formation Day.
"Andhra Pradesh is synonyms with hardwork and compassion. People belonging to AP have gone on to excel in several fields. On AP’s Formation Day, my greetings to the people of the state and best wishes for the their developmental aspirations", the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Defence
Defence Correspondents Course – 2019 Commences at MWC, Mumbai
The 2019 edition of the Defence Correspondents Course , a month-long course for selected journalists from regional and national media houses, commenced at the Maritime Warfare Centre  on 26 Aug 19. The Chief of Staff, Western Naval Command delivered the inaugural address and the Director MWC welcomed the 32 participants of the course. The aim of DCC is to build over time, a pool of journalists at all levels, who understand the Armed Forces and are cognizant of the domain when reporting on stories regarding the maritime environment.
For the next one week, the participants will be addressed by subject matter experts from within the Navy and the Coast Guard and acquainted with aspects of naval operations like aircraft carrier operations, Naval Diplomacy, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief role of the Navy, the organisational structure of the Navy and the Coast Guard. The participants will also be visit naval and Coast Guard ships, submarines and the Naval Dockyard. The highlight of the Naval leg of the DCC is a sea sortie on a frontline Fleet ship where the participants will experience a glimpse of the Navy in action, hands on.
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Ministry of Railways
Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Assures Candidates/Aspirants to Address Their Concerns over Railway Exam
“We will handle the issues and grievances of candidates/aspirants with utmost sensitivity”, said Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Railways in his interaction with DD News last evening. Concerns have been raised by some candidates over the process of shortlisting of candidates for the second stage of the ongoing recruitment examination under RRBs Centralised Employment Notice  No. 01/2019  - results of which were announced on 14.01.2022.
Speaking to DD News over this issue, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the matter will be handled with sensitivity. A high-power committee comprising senior officials to look into these concerns, has already started receiving representations of candidates/aspirants. Senior Railway Recruitment Board  officials are meeting groups of students and taking their representations. The Minister assured the candidates/students that all their problems will be resolved with utmost sensitivity and they need not get confused/influenced by anyone's words.
Articulating the issue of number of candidates to be shortlisted for the 2nd stage of Exam, the Minister informed that as an old Railway practice the number of Candidates to be called for NTPC Second Stage Exam was only 10 times the number of approved vacancies. This number of calling 10 times of the number of vacancies was increased to 15 times the number of vacancies in CEN 03/2015 and 20 times the number of vacancies in CEN 1/2019, so that more and more students get a chance to write the exam.
Elaborating further, Shri Vaishnaw said that “if you look at each category, 20 times students/candidates have been selected in each category”. The issue is that more than one candidate has applied in more than one category. Since a 2nd Stage consists of CBT of five different levels and a candidate can be shortlisted for more than one level as per eligibility, merit and option, the lists of 7 lakh roll numbers will have some names appearing in more than one list. The Minister said that this issue can be sorted out and there is no need to hit the road or set the train or fire as the Railway infrastructure is public property.
Talking about the solution of this issue, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the high-level committee which has been constituted to look into the concerns/grievances of candidates, is comprised of very senior officials having vast experience in recruitment process. He requested the concerned students/candidates to submit their grievances/concerns to the committee within three weeks of time i.e. by 16.02.2022 and we will come up with a solution immediately after that.
RKJ/M
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Ministry of Defence
CURTAIN RAISER
6th EDITION OF INDO FRANCE JOINT MILITARY EXERCISE
"EX SHAKTI 2021” TO COMMENCE FROM 15 NOVEMBER 2021
India and France carry out three biennial training exercises namely, Exercise GARUDA with Indian Airforce, Exercise VARUNA with Indian Navy and Exercise SHAKTI with Indian Army. The 6th Edition of the biennial training exercise “EX SHAKTI 2021” is being conducted from 15 to 26 November 2021 in Frejus, France. A platoon strength of a Gorkha Rifles Infantry Battalion is representing the Indian Army in this bilateral exercise and the French side is being represented by troops of 21st Marine Infantry Regiment of 6th Light Armoured Brigade.
The Indian contingent of Gorkha Rifles contingent has a rich heritage marked by its military valour& supreme sacrifices with a glorious history of 68 years. Their contributions in 1971 war was recognized by Battle Honour SHINGO River Valley and Theatre Honour of Jammu & Kashmir. The French Army contingent was raised in 1831 under the name of 2nd Marine Regiment and later renamed as 21st Marine Infantry Regiment in 1901. It has an illustrious operational history of more than 120 Years and has participated in all the major wars of French Army. The Regiment specialises in amphibious warfare and has varied operational experiences in Africa, Yugoslavia, Afghanistan & Mali.
Exercise SHAKTI will focus on Counter Terrorism operations in backdrop of semi-urban terrain under United Nations Mandate with an aim to enhance military cooperation and inter-operability between the two Armies. The last edition of Exercise SHAKTI was conducted at Foreign Training Node in Mahajan Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan from 31 Oct to 13 Nov 2019 in which Counter Terrorism operations in semi-desert terrain were practised and validated.
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SC/VBY/KRC
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Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Conservation of plant genetic resources is the shared responsibility of humanity: Shri Narendra Singh Tomar
Union Agriculture Minister attends the Eighth Session of Governing Body of Seed Treaty at FAO Headquarters in Rome
Union Agriculture Minister, Shri. Narendra Singh Tomar reminded the gathering that the conservation of plant genetic resources is the shared responsibility of humanity while addressing the Opening Ceremony of eight session of the Governing Body of International Treaty of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture , at Rome, Italy. Shri Tomar added that he represents one among those countries where farming is the backbone of the socio-economy; where crop biodiversity is part and parcel of life and whose indigenous people, peasants have shaped the crop genetic resources that form the basis for breeding elsewhere in the world.
The Governing Body sessions are biennial and this year it is being held from 11th to 16th November with participation of delegates from 146 countries, international organizations, civil societies, farmers’ organizations, FAO officials and UN organizations. The Opening Ceremony was also attended by Ms Teresa Bellanova, Agriculture Minister, Italy and Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director General, FAO. Ms Christine Dawson from United States of America is the current Chair of the Treaty.
Shri Tomar, while informing the delegates about the uniqueness of Indian legislation “Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights  Act” to protect Farmers’ Rights and breeder’s rights, said that in Indian legislation a farmer is entitled to save, use, sow, resow, exchange, share or sell his farm produce including seed of a variety protected under the PPV&FR Act, 2001 except brand name, and our legislation is fully compliant to article 9 of the Treaty. Under the provisions of this Act, 138 farmers/farming communities have been awarded with Plant Genome Saviour Awards. India has received about 16,620 applications for Plant Variety Protection out of which 10,920  have been received from farmers alone. Also, the PPV&FR Authority has registered about 3631 plant varieties out of which 1597  belong to the farmers.
ITPGRFA also known as Seed Treaty, is a comprehensive international agreement for ensuring food security through the conservation, exchange and sustainable use of the world's plant genetic resources for food and agriculture , as well as the fair and equitable benefit sharing arising from its use. It also recognizes farmers' rights, subject to national laws.